Pathological Study of Helicobacter spp. Infection in Pig Stomachs

Abstract

pathological study of Helicobacter spp. infection in pigs was performed to determine the incidence of Helicobacter spp. infection, and to define the relationship between Helicobacter spp. infection and the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa in pigs, using Warthin Starry stain and immunohistochemistry. A total of 115 biopsies of the cardia, fundus, body and pyloric antrum of swine (mean weight 150 kg) obtained
from slaughterhouses in Nakornpathom province (Thailand) were investigated. Histopathological results of the cardia region showed thickening of mucosa 54.78% (63/115), vacuolated degeneration of the epithelium 83.47% (96/115), lymphoid aggregation 74.78% (86/115), inflammatory cells infiltration 38.26% (44/115) and
neovascularized granulation tissue 10.43% (12/115). The presence of Helicobacter spp. by Warthin Starry stain and immunohistochemistry was 16.52% and 13.91% positive respectively. Helicobacter spp. was mostly seen in the epithelial surface of the pars esophageal region of stomach. There was no statistical difference in the mean
histopathological scores of glandular regions (fundus, body and pyloric antrum) between Helicobacter spp. positive and Helicobacter spp. negative samples. The results showed no correlation between the histopathological.
changes in pig stomachs and the presence of Helicobacter spp. This study demonstrated the colonization
of Helicobacter spp. in pig stomachs in Thailand. However, the bacteria seem not to be a major cause of
gastritis or gastric ulcer in swine in Thailand